LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY IN THE SENATE

SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SENATOR THE HON DON FARRELL

SHADOW SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE

LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SENATOR JENNY MCALLISTER

SHADOW CABINET SECRETARY

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE

LABOR SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

5 December 2019

LABOR ESTABLISHES INQUIRY INTO FOREIGN INTERFERENCE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Labor has initiated a Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media, to inquire into and report on the risk posed to Australia’s democracy by foreign interference through social media platforms – including Facebook, Twitter and WeChat.

The rise of ‘fake news’ and misinformation campaigns present a very real and present danger to democracy not only in Australia, but across the globe. We must protect our democracy from malicious foreign actors.

This Committee will examine how social media can be used to undermine Australia’s democracy and values. It will look at potential responses to mitigate the risk of cyber-enabled foreign interference and misinformation.

The Committee will be chaired by Labor Senator Jenny McAllister, and will produce a final report by May 2022 and will hold hearings with policy experts over the coming months.

We all must continue to manage these threats and maintain confidence in our democracy and institutions.